Arborist
ACA, Unrestricted Certified Trade
Description:
Arborists are also called Tree Care Specialists or Tree Service Technicians. They maintain healthy trees and treat or removed injured and diseased trees. They analyze, evaluate and diagnose a wide variety of woody plants for disease or disorder, prepare recommendations for treatment and cost estimates, and select and use treatment applications including pesticides, biological controls, cabling, pruning, transplanting or removal.
They operate and maintain safety equipment, manual and power tools including chainsaws, and specialized pruning and spraying equipment. They generally work for private residential or commercial landscape management companies, tree nurseries, tree care contractors, municipal governments, national or provincial parks departments or utility companies.
Related occupations include Horticultural Technician, Landscape Architect, Forestry Technician/Technologist, or Nursery/Greenhouse Worker.
Education, Training, Experience and Skills Required:
- grade 12 education or ministry-approved equivalent
- completion of a three year apprenticeship program
- recommended high school courses include: English, mathematics, biology; related in-school technical programs, coop or other pre-apprenticeship programs are considered an advantage
- to be successful, you should have good communication, analytical and problem-solving skills. You should be in good physical condition, with good physical stamina and be able to climb and descend trees using safety equipment. You must be safety conscious on the job and work well individually or as a member of a team. You must also enjoy learning about plant material and putting your knowledge to use.
How to Get Trade Certification (Voluntary):
- complete a three year apprenticeship program
- complete the terms of the Apprenticeship Contract to receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship
- pass the exam to receive your Certificate of Qualification with journeyperson status
- there is NO Interprovincial (Red Seal) Trade Certification for this trade
Salary Expectations:
Range from $15 to $20 per hour